Rep. Thaddeus Jones

Mourns the death of Hubert W. Woodruff II of Salem.

Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971. Prohibits the State from applying for any federal waiver that would reduce or eliminate any protection or coverage required under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) that was in effect on January 1, 2017, including, but not limited to, any protection for persons with pre-existing conditions and coverage for services identified as essential health benefits under the ACA. Provides that the State or an agency of the executive branch may apply for such a waiver only if granted authorization by the General Assembly through joint resolution. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Prohibits the State from applying for any federal waiver that would permit an individual or group health insurance plan to reduce or eliminate any protection or coverage required under the ACA that was in effect on January 1, 2017, including, but not limited to, any protection for persons with pre-existing conditions and coverage for services identified as essential health benefits under the ACA. Provides that the State or an agency of the executive branch may apply for such a waiver only if granted authorization by the General Assembly through joint resolution. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Prohibits the State or an agency of the executive branch from applying for any federal Medicaid waiver that would result in more restrictive standards, methodologies, procedures, or other requirements than those that were in effect in Illinois as of January 1, 2017 for the Medical Assistance Program, the Children's Health Insurance Program, or any other medical assistance program in Illinois operating under any existing federal waiver authorized by specified provisions of the Social Security Act. Provides that the State or an agency of the executive branch may apply for such a waiver only if granted authorization by the General Assembly through joint resolution. Effective immediately.

Congratulates Jaqueline Rush on her immeasurable contribution toward improving the lives of the children in her community.

Congratulates Melvin Mathias on the occasion of his 90th birthday.

Congratulates Faith Movers Church on the occasion of its eighth anniversary.

Mourns the death of Eddie L. Jones II.

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a municipality within Cook County may not expend any funds relating to a land-based casino, including, but not limited to, legal fees or engineering costs, without approval by the electors of the municipality after a referendum. Provides that a municipality making such an expenditure shall report annually to the Comptroller all expenditures of the municipality related to a land-based casino. Limits home rule powers. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Provides that the holiday known as Halloween shall be officially celebrated in the State of Illinois on the last Saturday of October of each year, which may include "trick-or-treating" and any other forms of celebration deemed appropriate for the day. Provides that any laws or ordinances established by State or local government pertaining to the regulation of Halloween activities shall apply to celebrations occurring on the day designated for official Halloween celebrations. Provides that nothing shall be construed to otherwise limit the application of previously established State laws or local ordinances regulating Halloween activities. Effective immediately.

Amends the Public Water Supply Regulation Act. Provides that the State or a unit of local government may not contract for the sale of water resources for a period longer than 4 years, inclusive of extensions or renewals of the contract. Limits home rule powers.

Creates the Student Fair Pay to Play Act. Prohibits (i) an institution of higher learning from upholding any rule, requirement, standard, or other limitation that prevents a student athlete of that institution from earning compensation as a result of the use of the student's name, image, or likeness and earning compensation from the use of a student athlete's name, image, or likeness from affecting the student's scholarship eligibility; (ii) an athletic association, conference, or other group or organization with authority over intercollegiate athletics from preventing a student athlete of an institution from earning compensation as a result of the use of the student's name, image, or likeness; (iii) an athletic association, conference, or other group or organization with authority over intercollegiate athletics from preventing an institution from participating in intercollegiate athletics as a result of the compensation of a student athlete for the use of the student's name, image, or likeness; and (iv) an institution, athletic association, conference, or other group or organization with authority over intercollegiate athletics from providing a prospective student athlete with compensation in relation to the athlete's name, image, or likeness. Sets forth provisions concerning professional representation and contracts. Effective immediately.